India and the West Indies will kick off the two-match Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2. It’s been a one-sided rivalry between India and the West Indies in the last few years, with India winning nine consecutive series.
West Indies’ last series win came way back in 2002. It’s unfortunate that the West Indies, who were the most dominating force in the cricket world in the 70s and 80s, is battling for survival in Test cricket.
Despite failing to win a Test against India in the last 23 years, the West Indies still lead them in the head-to-head record. In the 100 matches played between the teams, India have won 23 matches, while West Indies have 30 wins to their name. 47 matches ended as draws.
Why West Indies And India Might Not Play Again For 100 Years?
Meanwhile, India and the West Indies might not play cricket again after the current series, maybe for as long as 100 years. This is because of the proposal to adopt the two-tier system in Test cricket. If accepted, the teams will be divided into two groups, with the top six teams in one group and the remaining six in the other. Given the West Indies’ ranking and their performance in Test cricket, they may be clubbed with teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, with India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and England comprising the top tier. The decision on the model could be taken after the current FTP, which ends in 2027.
After the West Indies were bowled out for 27 at home against Australia in July this year, Cricket West Indies turned to Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara for help, and the former feared that the West Indies might be stuck in the second tier for as long as 100 years. Under the new model, the top teams will compete for the World Test Championship, and the teams in other groups will battle to get into the top tier.